the Ford F-150, and the runner-up, the Chevy Silverado 1500. This is despite the fact that the Ram 1500 has been recognized as one of the best-made American trucks currently available, winning Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year five times, including back-to-back wins in 2013 and 2014. Since the Ram was spun off from the Dodge brand ten years ago, Ram trucks have managed to maintain high ratings for stability and drivability, despite concerns about hybrid battery safety and hackability of FCA drivetrain computers. This article will answer 13 of the most asked questions about the Ram 1500.
Where is the Ram 1500 made?
The Ram line of trucks are made for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US LLC at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Assembly is also done at the Warren Truck Assembly plant in Warren, Michigan. This is a point of contention, as FCA is foreign-owned (although, it has a Michigan-based de facto headquarters), and, of the Big Three, conducts the least assembly in the United States.
Where is the oil filter on the Ram 1500?
For the Ram 1500, the oil filter is located at the lower-passenger side of the motor, above the oil pan. Changing the filter will likely require a floor jack, jack stands, a drain pan, a filter wrench, and small hands to reach up to where the filter is nested.
Where is the distributor cap on the Ram 1500?
The distributor cap is located on the top of the engine block, next to the oil pressure switch. The distributor cap is part of the Ram 1500’s ignition system, along with the distributor rotor, spark plugs, and spark plug wires.
Where is the heater core on the Ram 1500?
The heater core for the Ram 1500 is located within the dashboard inside the cabin. To access the core, the dashboard must be partially removed. The heater core is the heating element for your truck’s air conditioning system. Servicing the core will requiring removing several sets of bolts, prying off the dash, unplugging several electrical connectors, and removing the dash assembly – preferably with a helper, as it is heavy and cumbersome.
Where is the PCM on the Ram 1500?
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is located behind the air intake assembly on the passenger side in the engine compartment. For the Ram 1500, the PCM is called the Engine Control Module (ECM). The OBD-II diagnostic port is located under the dashboard, either under the steering wheel, next to the left kick panel, or above the gas pedal.
Where is the camshaft position sensor located on a Ram 1500?
The camshaft position sensor is located in the lower back of the engine block, next to the transmission. The camshaft position sensor is needed to tell the ECM to position of the pistons, ensuring proper combustion. A malfunctioning sensor may cause stalling, knocking, or poor fuel efficiency.
Who makes the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel?
EcoDiesel is a brand name used by FCA for a class of engines that have better highway and road mileage than the standard FCA diesel engine. For Ram trucks, the EcoDiesel engine is the VM Motori A 630 DOHC 3.0L engine. VM Motori is an Italian diesel engine manufacturer based in Cento, Emilia-Romagna, Italy and wholly owned by FCA.
What size jack does the Ram 1500 use?
The Ram 1500 comes equipped with a 2,500-pound scissor jack. In general, a jack that can support twice the axle weight of the vehicle is considered to be collapse-proof. It is also advised that you use jack stands when servicing your vehicle.
What size battery does the Ram 1500 use?
A 2017 Ram 1500 V^ 3.6L requires a battery with 730 CCA (cold cranking amps). Due to the high starting load demand, Ram trucks require high-performance batteries, with additional options and add-ons adding to the battery requirement (or even requiring a separate battery).
What is the towing capacity of the Ram 1500?
The 2018 Ram 1500 Lone Star 5.7 liter V8 HEMI MDS VVT has a maximum gas towing capacity of 10,620 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,880 pounds. On the low-end of this scale, the 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 4X2 Regular Cab, has a towing capacity of 4,200 pounds.
What is the bolt pattern of the Ram 1500?
The 2018 Ram 1500 uses a 5x139.7 bolt pattern with a 77.8 millimeter center bore and M14x1.5 threads. The thread size changed in 2009; prior to this, the threads were 9/16 inch. From 1994 to 2001, the thread size was ½ inch.
What tire size does the Ram 1500 use?
The size of the tire used by the Ram 1500 depends on the trim package. The 2017 Ram 1500 4x2 Crew Cab uses the 265/70R17 and the 275/60R20. The
2017 Ram 1500 Rebel 4x4 Quad Cab uses a 285/70R17.
How do you replace the rear window of the Ram 1500?
It is difficult to replace the rear window of your Ram 1500 by yourself due to the delicateness of the backlite, a structural support for the
Ram 1500’s roof. It is advised that you seek a professional to replace the window. Also, if the backlite is removed, it will need to be replaced with a new one.
If you opt to do it yourself, here is a quick outline of the procedure. To remove the window, per JustAnswer:
- Roll down or open door glass,
- Remove quarter trim panels, if needed,
- Remove headliner,
- Remove cab back panel trim,
- Bend backlite retaining tabs inward against glass,
- Cut urethane adhesive holding the backlite frame to the opening fence with a pneumatic knife from inside the cab, and
- Remove the glass.
To replace the window:
- Clean and remove all urethane adhesive from backlite opening fence,
- Apply black-out primer to replacement backlite frame, if needed,
- Clean backlite bonding surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free towel. Let thoroughly dry,
- Apply black-out primer to backlite opening fence,
- Apply ½ inch bead of urethane around perimeter of window frame bonding surface,
- Set glass in lower fence and move glass forward,
- Firmly press glass against window glass opening fence,
- Bend backlite opening fence tabs to retain glass,
- Clean excess urethane from exterior and allow to cure for at least 24 hours, and
- Water test and install interior trim.
We hope that helped! While this is by no means an exhaustive list of questions, these are some of the common ones we run across as people are shopping for Ram backup cameras.
